Government of Meghalaya

Budget Speech

1995 – 96

By

Shri J. D. Pohrmen

Finance Minister, Meghalaya

27th March, 1995

Mr. Speaker Sir,

It is my honour and privilege to present before this august house the Budget
estimates for 1995-96.

NATIONAL ECONOMY :- There has been remarkable turn
around of the Indian economy in a relatively short period of three years. The
grave crisis of 1991 has been overcome and macro-economic stability
restored. The process of economic restructuring and reforms has succeeded
in moving the economy on to a path of rapid, employment generating growth
fuelled by broad based recovery in industrial output, foodgrains production and
exports. The year 1994-95 saw the fastest growth of the Indian economy in the
last 4 years at 5.3% surpassing last two year's growth rate of 4.3%.
Industrial production which virtually stagnated in 1991-92, is
expected to grow by 8% in 1994-95. Food grains production is expected to reach a
record high of 185 million MT enabling the Government to build a public stock of
foodgrains with the Central Pool at the record level of 31 million MT as
against 14.7 million MT three years ago and to upgrade the food security system.
Growth has created new employment opportunities. In 1992-93 and 1993-94,
employment increased with about 6 million new jobs added each year which was
twice as fast as in 1991-92. The increase is expected to be even higher in
1994-95.The apprehension that economic restructuring will increase unemployment
has been proved to be unfounded. Liberalization of external trade and the
new export policies have yielded good results. In 1994-95, exports have grown by
over 17% in the first 10 months, following a 20% increase in 1993-94. Imports
have also grown particularly of capital goods which will improve the efficiency
and international competitiveness of our industries. The balance of payment
situation is quite comfortable as the foreign currency reserves stood at
over 20 Billion US Dollars. The external deficit on current account is expected
to be less than ½% in 1994-95 as against over 3% of GDP in 1990-91.

While these developments have been encouraging, it is noted with concern that
inflation has surfaced again and is currently ruling around 10-11%. The
persistence of fiscal deficits, sharp increase in procurement prices and
continuing shortfall in output of commodities of mass consumption, such as sugar
and oilseeds, have contributed to inflation.

While presenting the Union Budget for 1995-96, the Union Finance Minister stated
that the major tasks before the Nation are to complete reforms in areas of
taxation, trade and industrial policies, financial sector so as to raise the
efficiency and competitiveness of the economy, to contain inflation on a
priority basis, to correct the slippage in fiscal deficit, to remove constraints
on further expansion of agricultural output, to revamp the Public Sector
Enterprises, to strengthen and broaden the anti-poverty programmes, to deal with
the problem of mass poverty and social deprivation, particularly in rural areas
and to modernise the delivery systems of social services and to remove the
present weakness of our infrastructure by larger investments in key
infrastructure sectors like power and roads and greater efficiency in the
'use of existing infrastructural facilities. It is, however, noticed that there
has been no real increase in the level of Central Plan Assistance provided to
the States which is proposed at Rs.19,506 crores in 1995-96 as against current
year's allocation of Rs.19,304 crores. It is hoped that this will not
affect Central Plan Assistance to Special Category States of NER.
However, it points to the need for efficient use of resources and for ensuring
that the fruits of all development schemes reach the intended
beneficiaries.

STATE ECONOMY :- The year 1993-94 was a
difficult year for the state economy. A sharp deficiency and uneven distribution
of rainfall caused decline in agricultural output. Foodgrains production
remained at a low level of 1.49 lakh metric tons against the target of 1.74 lakh
metric tons. the production of potato, a major cash crop, also suffered and
stagnated at 1.18 lakh metric tons. The area and production of cotton and
horticultural crops and the estimated net area sown in 1993-94 show a
similar trend. There is however an increase in the area under forest by
about 3500 ha. Since the economy is predominantly agricultural, contributing
about 32% to S.D. P., intensification of agricultural development schemes is
needed to raise the output and farm incomes which will be a major
objective of the Annual Plan 1995-96.

In the field of industries, there has been some progress particularly in the
small scale sector in terms of increase in number of units from 1231 in
1988-89 to 1941 in 1992-93 investment in plant and machinery from Rs.608.66 lakh
to Rs.1138.36 lakh and employment from7458 to 11212 persons. There has been a
significant increase in the output of coal, limestone and sillimanite in
the last two years.

The Provisional Net State Domestic Product at constant prices was estimated
at Rs.370.36 crores in the year 1992-93 whereas the Quick Estimates (QE) for
1993-94 was Rs.408.01 crores which indicate a growth of 10.6% over the year as
against 7.50% of the previous year. The Net SDP at current prices for the year
1993-94 (QE) is estimated at Rs.1131.84 crores as against Rs.1070.72
crores in 1992-93 registering a growth of 5.71% whereas in the preceding
year it was 13.22%.

The Per Capita Income at Constant Prices (1980-81) was Rs.1995 in 1992-93
whereas in 1993-94 it was Rs.2136 (QE) showing a rise of 7.07% compared to 4.7%
of the preceding year. the Per Capita Income at current prices works out at
Rs.5926 (QE) in 1993-94 as against Rs.5769 in 1992-93 registering a growth
of 2.72% as against 10.28% of the year earlier to it.

Unemployment problem had been causing great concern to the State Government.
According to the Live Registers of the Employment Exchanges of the State, the
number of applicants seeking employment as on 31st December, 1992, 1993 and 1994
were 26481, 27604 and 27282 respectively. As per available statistics on
educated unemployed, the number of Engineering Graduates recorded a
gradual increase from 95 in 1993 to 106 in 1994 and the registered unemployed
Agricultural Engineering post graduate holders has for the first time appeared
in the Live Register with 2(two) in number.

The total number of job seekers attaining Matriculation standard and
Pre-University passed/Higher Secondary rose from 10,412 in 1993 to 11,529 in
1994.

A continuing feature of the State economy is the high cost of machinery, raw
materials and services which means higher investment requirement for every
development activity. Hence the imperative need of achieving efficiency in
resource use. The Consumer Price Index of Shillong centre on September, 1994
recorded the highest at 250 compared to the other selected centres of the
country. Prices continued to show and upward trend during the year 1994 with
the increase of both wholesale and retail prices of essential commodities. As
the supplies of essential commodities in the state are mostly from outside, an
increasing trend of prices is evident which may continue in 1995-96.

PLANNING :- The approved outlay for the 8th Five Year
Plan of Meghalaya is Rs.1029.00 crores. The expenditure during the first and the
second year of the plan were Rs.198.78 crores and Rs.195.14 crores
respectively. The original approved 1994-95 Annual Plan outlay of
Rs.281.00 crores has been revised to Rs.210.00 crores due to resource
constraint. The revised outlay would include Rs.25.00 crores of additional
Special Central Plan assistance sanctioned by the Planning Commission for four
specific projects viz. : Beljek Airport, Tura (Rs.7.00 crores),
Protection of Phulbari town from floods (Rs.10.50 crores), improvement of
Jowai-Amlarem-Dawki Road (Rs.5.00 crores) and Dalu-Baghmara road (Rs.2.50 crores)

The approved outlay for the Annual Plan 1995-96 of Meghalaya has been fixed at
Rs.306.52 crores and during that penultimate year of the 8th plan, adequate
thrust will be given for timely completion of on-going works in building up of
infrastructure. The Annual Plan 1995-96 is also oriented towards strengthening
of the rural economy by giving a very high priority on agriculture and allied
activities which include horticulture, piggery, poultry, cattle and live-stock
development. More emphasis will also be given to special rural programme. In the
Irrigation sector, implementation of the Rongai Valley Irrigation Project,
improvement and modernisation of existing minor irrigation schemes will be taken
up and in the flood Control sector, a scheme for construction of embankment for
protection of Phulbari town from floods will be launched. In the Roads and
Bridges sector, roads of high economic importance in the State will receive
priority. In Education, besides elementary education, programmes under literacy
mission, vocational training and establishment of new Degree Colleges will be
taken up. Health and Waster supply will also be given due priority during
1995-96 Annual Plan.

PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION :- The Programme
Implementation Department is assigned the key role of monitoring, review and
follow up action on the implementation of Plan Schemes of various Departments,
including the twenty Point Programme as one of its various functions. A
computer Cell was also set up under the Department for Computerisation towards
effective monitoring of development programme etc. A Public
Enterprise Cell was set up under the Department with the object of performing
nodal functions for all State Public Enterprises, particularly in context
of co-ordination of activities, adherence to statutory provisions, review
of Evaluation Unit etc. The Department is conducting Evaluation studies on
schemes selected for the purpose by the State Evaluation Committee, and as
assigned by the Government from time to time, on the exigency of public
interest. At present 8 studies have been undertaken.

AGRICULTURE :- Agriculture continues to be the main
economic activity of the people of the State. It is anticipated that
the gross cropped area at the end of the year 1994-95 would be 2.43 lakh
hectares and the net cropped area 1.99 lakh hectares. It is expected that a
target of gross cropped area of 2.47 lakh hectares would be achieved during the
year 1995-96. The Eighth Five Year Plan outlay for Agriculture sector has been
tentatively approved at Rs.3320 lakhs with an outlay of Rs.1433 lakhs for
1994-95 which is expected to be utilised fully except the proposals under E.A.
P. Component. An amount of Rs.1171 lakhs has been tentatively earmarked during
1995-96. Priorities have been given to food grains production. The 1994-95,
production target is 2.03 lakh metric tons while 2.07 lakh metric tons is the
target for 1995-96. To achieve this, various steps including development
of existing rice fields by providing irrigation facilities, supply of high
yielding variety seeds plant protection measures etc. have been
taken.

The target of production of Potato has been fixed at 1.74 lakh MT during
1994-95 and this is being raised to 1.74 lakh MT during 1994-95 and
this is being raised to 1.75 lakh MT in 1995-96. Other commercial crops like
jute, mesta, cotton, pulses, are being provided coverage in the developmental
schemes. The development of required infrastructure for processing of mushroom
and tea is being followed up.

Horticulture production in the State during the year 1994-95 is expected
to be 2.61 lakh metric tonnes, the target for 1995-96 is being fixed at 3.01
lakhs metric tonnes. Steps are being taken to boost horticulture
production by extension of areas under fruits trees and plantation crops,
popularisation of Poly houses for growth of vegetables, floriculture,
strengthening orchard management, extension of credit facility at concessional
rate and strengthening of marketing support etc.

Consumption of fertilizer has been fixed at the level of 8000 metric tonnes of
N.P.K. for 1994-95 and the proposed target for the year 1995-96 is 8100 metric
tonnes.

National Watershed Development Projects are being implemented in 8 micro
watersheds of the State under the Central Sector scheme.

The establishment of State Agricultural Marketing Board with its Secondary
Regulated market at Mawiong and Garobadha will help the growers
substantially. The department is considering establishment of cold storage at
two places in the State, one 'AGMARK' laboratory and expansion of the Fruit
Processing units.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND VETERINARY :- In the field
of economic development particularly in the rural areas of Meghalaya, Animal
Husbandry has significant role to play. Livestock Poultry and Dairy Farming have
tremendous potential for generating self-employment. In order to help the people
and educated unemployed youth to take up Dairy, Piggery and Poultry Farming, a
substantial amount of fund is provided as subsidy. Out of the outlay of Rs.600
lakhs under Animal Husbandry and Rs.76 lakhs for Dairy Development for 1995-96
an amount of Rs.150 lakhs and Rs.10 lakhs respectively have been earmarked
as subsidy for employment generation schemes. During 1994-95, 241 beneficiaries
under the scheme for Special Livestock Breeding Programmes and 73 educated
unemployed youth were assisted to take up Dairy Farming, Piggery and Broiler
production.

All existing Farms and Feed Mills are being strengthened to provide
assured supply of inputs for employment generation schemes. Short training
courses are provided for farmers at Kyrdemkulai and Tura. A network of
Veterinary Dispensaries and Aid Centres have been established all over the State
to provide the much needed facilities for Animal health cover.

FISHERIES :- Against the approved outlay of Rs.114.00
lakhs during 1994-95, an amount of Rs.135.00 lakhs is proposed for the year
1995-96 for fishery development schemes in the State. During 1993-94, main
thrust was given on production of fish and fish seeds both in departmental and
private Farms. It is anticipated that 2 million fish seeds would be
produced during the year 1994-95. During 1995-96, the department has fixed the
target of production 2 million numbers of fish seeds. With a view to augment
fish production in private sector, the department has taken up schemes for
developmental of both capture and culture Fisheries by providing financial
assistance to individuals and Cooperatives. The Kyrdemkulai and Nongmahir
reservoirs are being developed for culture and capture fishing under a N.E.C.
scheme.

The fish production target for the year 1994-95 of 4.05 MT is expected to be
achieved in full. The target for 1995-96 has been fixed at 4.35 MT.

The department has recently taken up a new scheme viz. ; Fish-cum-Piggery-Duckery-Poultry
Farming and the department is expecting an increased production. Construction of
mini barrages in the private sector has been continued to popularise the
fish culture and to augment the Farm incomes. A new scheme namely, subsidised
cost of feed for fish, pigs, ducks and poultry in the integrated fishery
programme has been introduced to assist the fish farmers. About 100 fish
farmers are expected to derive benefits from the scheme. The Fish Farmers
Development Agency has been made operational in all the districts of the State.

COOPERATION :- The Cooperative Movement in the state
still remains under-developed. State Government support is, therefore, needed
with a view to strengthen the Movement as a viable instrument of overall
socio-economic development. The programmes of the Department for the year
1995-96 have been suitably adjusted to achieve this objective. The initiatives
launched by the District Level Promotional committees are being further
consolidated. Cooperative Societies at the Village Level are being integrated to
promote self-help and collectivism. Adequate importance is being given to the
growth and development Fund of the State is being further consolidated.

Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the NABARD and
Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd. for improving the chennelisation of credit
in the Cooperative sector. Steps are also being taken for restructuring of the
Meghalaya consumers Cooperative Federation Ltd. with a view to strengthen the
cooperative marketing set up in the State. The Garo Hills Cooperative Cotton
Ginning and Oil Mills Ltd. has started procurement of cotton as an agent of
Cotton corporation of India during the current season. Works for modernisation
of the mill are also nearing completion. Cooperative education and training
programmes are also being restructured for achieving faster growth under
the Cooperative Sector. Some important areas of the Cooperative Movement are
also proposed to be brought under the Computerised management information
system.

FOREST :- It is encouraging to note that the
ecological component of the Forest is gaining momentum in relation to economic
and commercial component. To ensure the protection of water, soil, climate and
wild life through forest conservation, a number of steps have been taken.
To restore the ecology and overall upgradation of environment and to boost the
agricultural economy of the State the following action plan has been put into
practice :-

(1) Providing intensive tree cover over the degraded waste land available in the
State through the agency of Social Forestry Wing. An area of 2000 hectares
are likely to come under this activity during 1995-96.

(2) Conservation of existing Reserved Forests and Protected Forests to maintain
biotic diversity of the State.

(3) Parallel speeding up of coordinated air and water pollution control is being
pursued to mitigate the hazard of pollution, especially, in Urban areas.

(4) Eco-Development in forest areas on the periphery of wild life protected
areas is receiving special attention of the State Government.

(5) To promote the processing of raw materials within the State in order
to achieve value addition and offer employment avenue to the local people.

SOIL CONSERVATION :- Meghalaya, being a hilly state
with undulating terrain and high rainfall poses problems of soil erosion due to
primitive and destructive land use practices such as jhuming, ill-managed steep
slope cultivation, uncontrolled deforestation, wild-fire intensive grazing
and unplanned mining and quarrying. All these have accelerated soil erosion with
adverse effects on the overall economic condition of the people. As a
consequence, increasing emphasis is now being laid on scientific
management of land resources in a manner that ensures optimal utilisation
keeping in view conservation and environmental protection needs. The Department
has therefore envisaged multi-purpose schemes. These are:-

(1) Terracing

(2) Stream bank
erosion control works.

(3) Water
harvesting.

(4) Water
Conservation and distribution.

(5) Afforestation
of degraded land.

(6) Cash Crop
Development works.

(7) Research and
Training, etc.

Against the total 8th Plan tentative outlay of Rs.2440 lakhs, a provision of
Rs.650 lakhs has been made for the year 1995-96.

COMMUNITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT :- The Community &
Rural Development Department plays a key role in accelerating the development
activities in the rural areas of the state with a special thrust on
poverty-eradication. All the programmes under this sector aim at providing
benefits to the rural people through their active participation for the creation
of durable community assets for upliftment of the socio-economic life of the
people. The strategy adopted by the Department to achieve the aforesaid goals,
is through State Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The Eighth Plan
approved outlay for this programme is Rs.1052.00 lakhs. During 1994-95 an outlay
of Rs.410.00 lakhs has been provided. An outlay of Rs.500.00 lakhs has been
fixed for 1995-96. Under this sector priorities are given to construction of
roads, small bridges, provision of sanitation, education, water supply etc.

Apart from the State Sector Schemes, Special Programme like I.R.D.P. is
being implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The approved outlay is
Rs.300.00 lakhs during 1995-96. This scheme is implemented through D.R.D.A.
which aims at raising the families living below the poverty line by providing a
package assistance including subsidy and institutional credits through Banks.

Employment generation under Jawahar Rozgar Yojana Programme has been
encouraging. Under this, thirty percent of the employment benefit is reserved
for women. During 1995-96 a tentative outlay of Rs.100.00 lakhs has been
approved against Rs.79.00 lakhs during 1994-95. Another new scheme, known as
Employment Assistance Scheme was taken up in 1993-94 with the objective of
providing gainful employment to the rural poor during lean agricultural
season for which an amount of Rs.115.00 lakhs has been earmarked for 1995-96 as
against Rs.96.00 lakhs in 1994-95. Project costs of both Jawahar aRozgar Yojana
and Employment Assistance Schemes are shared between the Central and the State
Governments on 80:20 basis.

Special Rural Works Programme was taken up 1990-91 by channelising certain funds
out of Plan allocations of different development departments to actively
involve the rural people in the developmental process right from the grass-roots
level upto the implementing stages. An amount of Rs.600.00 lakhs has been
provided for the programme during the year 1995-96.

Another important programme is Construction of Rural roads which undertakes
improvement of rural road net-work by active participation of rural people for
which an amount of Rs.160.00 lakhs has been fixed as annual outlay for
1995-96.

Besides the above programmes, other schemes, like, strengthening of State
Institute for research and Training in Rural Development, Assistance
to Small and Marginal Farmers, Rural Sanitation Schemes are also
contributing significantly towards rural development.

INDUSTRIES :- In 1971 Meghalaya Industrial Development
Corporation was set up by the Government. The Corporation has been playing a
vital role in the field of industrial growth in the State. Depending on the
merit of each case, the MIDC participates in the equity capital of new
industries. Over the years, the Corporation has invested in equity and
preference share in 19 Companies involving a total amount of Rs.663.10
lakhs. Provision of Rs.250.00 lakhs has been earmarked to meet the gap in
re-financing by SIDBI/IDBI. The first phase of reactivation of MCCL Plant
has been completed and the production stepped up to 680 MT. per day. To
cope with the increased production, a much higher quantity of lime stone
would be required and for which additional, mining machinery would be procured.
For this, there is a Plan allocation of Rs.50 lakhs. The Government
has allowed ACC Ltd. in the private sector to set up a Cement Plant at Siju in
South Garo Hills District with an investment of Rs.260 crores.

In the small scale sector, the policy of the Government continues to be
promotional in nature and the DICs have to play an important role as Nodal
Agencies. Earlier DICs schemes were funded on a 50:50 basis between the
Central and the State Government. Now, that the scheme has been
transferred to the State Plan, a provision of Rs.71.00 lakhs has been
provided to meet the establishment cost including the new DICs for Ri-Bhoi and
South Garo Hills Districts.

Under the promotional scheme of action Plan, the DIC Organisation conducts
entrepreneurship motivation and development programmes. Under the schemes (i)
Package scheme of incentives, (ii) Grant-in-aid to passed out trainees, units
and persons are granted direct assistance. A new scheme "Awareness
Programme" has been introduced with an allocation of Rs.5.00 lakhs.

A provision of Rs.40.00 lakhs has been earmarked for the State Khadi and Village
Industries Board. The Board is rendering services and support in the trades of
Bee-keeping, Pottery, Carpentry, Blacksmithy etc. Besides these activities, the
department has made provisions for Meghalaya Handloom and Handicraft
Development corporation, National Scheme for Prime Minister Rozgar Yojna Export
Promotional programmes and so on.

POWER :- Meghalaya has considerable hydro potential
for generation of electric power. Out of the available potential of about 2500
MW, only 185 MW of hydel potential could be harnessed so far.

The only ongoing generation project under 8th Plan is the Composite
Scheme Umiam Umtru Stage IV HEP (2x30 MW) with Upper Khri Division
of which Stage IV portion has been already commissioned. The works on Upper Khri
portion could not be started due to land acquisition problem.

Under new generation, 8th Plan allocation was Rs.550.00 lakhs for taking up
initial works of Lerishka Stage I HEP, Lakhro Micro HEP, Galwang MIcro HEP and
Ganol Micro. HEP. During 1994-95 an amount of Rs.200.00 lakhs
was provided against the schemes. No expenditure on new generation scheme could
be incurred during the year due to financial constraint. A token amount of
Rs.50.00 lakhs has been proposed for Leishka State I HEP during 1995-96.

For maximizing benefits from the existing installed capacity, the Board has
undertaken renovation and modernisation of its existing hydro-generating units.
Japan Consulting Institute has recently inspected the machines of Umiam
State I and Stage II and submitted a report. The report is under scrutiny of
Central Electricity Authority. Another proposal of up-rating Umiam Stage III is
under consideration. An amount of Rs.1000.00 lakhs has been proposed for
1995-96 against this scheme.

In transmission and distribution of power supply a major scheme of
modification, augmentation and extension of 132 KV Grid Sub-Station and
Power Station Switchyard and the construction of new 132 KV
transmission lines have been prepared. This scheme is under implementation. Work
on augmentation and modification of power Station Switchyard at
Stage I and Stage II and at Mawlai Sub-Station have been completed. It is
anticipated that the balance work at Khliehriat Sub-Station and Umtru Power
Station could be completed by March, 1995 loop in and loop out. A Master Plan
for strengthening and improvement of the new transmission and distribution
system of Meghalaya is under execution during 8th Plan. An allocation of
Rs.1015.00 lakhs has been earmarked during 1995-96.

The performance of Me.S.E.B. in the field of Rural Electrification work is not
encouraging. Following inability of Me.S.E.B. to service loans taken
earlier due to continuing failure of the A.S.E.B. to pay its dues to Me.S.E.B.
amounting to Rs.54 crores, there is an acute problem of cash flow for
implementing Rural Electrification Programme. An amount of Rs.950.00 lakhs
is provided against a target of 100 village under rural electrification during
1995-96

Emphasis has been laid on the works of harnessing various New and Renewable
Sources of Energy. So far 78,959 of Solar Water Heating System has already been
installed. Emphasis on decentralised electricity generation through solar
photovoltaic, Micro hydel schemes shall also continue. Programme of cooking
energy through the use of Solar cookers, Biogas, improved chullahs is
continuing. Government of India has sanctioned the Galwang and Rongap micro
hydel projects at an estimated cost of Rs.68.00 lakhs and Rs.62.00
lakhs respectively. Project Reports on four more micro hydel projects including
Synrang and Umshara have been submitted to Government of India and expected to
be implemented during 1995-96.

MINING AND GEOLOGY :- The State is rich in
mineral wealth. The major minerals which are presently exploited are coal,
limestone, clay and sillimanite. During the year 1994-95 nine
investigation programmes were taken up. During 1995-96 exploration
programme including ground water investigation studies are proposed
to be under taken.

The Department ha s collected revenue to the tune of Rs.6.45 crores during the
first three quarters of this financial year on minerals. Consequent upon
the revision of rates of royalty of coal by Government of India, Meghalaya
enforced the same with effect from 15th January 1995 @Rs.120/- per tonne for Run
of Mine coal and Rs.150/- per tonne on Hand picked coal. this step is expected
to enhance the revenue of the State to Rs.36.38 crores during 1995-96. Following
enforcement of aforesaid rate of royalty, the Government has stopped realisation
of cess on coal under Meghalaya Mineral cess Act. 1988.

A total outlay of Rs.2.63 crores including loan component has been earmarked
during Annual Plan 1994-95. During 1995-96 an amount of Rs.174 lakhs has
been proposed which includes Rs.50.00 lakhs for M.M.D.C. Coal Depot at
Jorabat and capital expenditure for completion of Analytical Laboratory Building
at aRisa Colony in Shillong. A proposal for handing over coal mining at
Nangalbibra presently operated by M.I.D.C. to M.M.D.C. is in the offing
and fund has been earmarked for development of those existing coal amines.
Investigation of Granite Rock around Nongpoh under N.E.C. Scheme will continue
in 1995-96.

EDUCATION :- There has been substantial expansion of
educational facilities, particularly after the attainment of Statehood. In line
with the national policy to provide education to all children up to the age of
14 years. Primary Schools were sent up in the rural areas within the walking
distance. During the year, 400 additional posts of teachers were created to
cater to School-less villages bringing a total of 900 teachers under the State
Plan. The School infrastructure was further improved when 300 Primary School
buildings and 700 additional classrooms were constructed. Taking over of
District Council Lower Primary Schools was made effective from 2.6.94 by a
legislation. About 300 Primary Teachers were given 1 year training in Teachers
Training Institute and an equal number were given short in-service training by
SCERT.

Sixty High Schools were assisted for construction of school buildings at
the rate of Rs.1 lakhs each. In the higher education sector, 17 schools were
allowed to open class Eleven in one stream only and during current
financial year one more stream is being added to these schools. Thirteen more
schools are being provided with facilities for conducting higher secondary
courses to ease the rush of students in the Urban colleges. In respect of
Adult Education, 600 Adult Education Centres have been set up and 450 Jana
Shikshan Nilayam i.e. Village Libraries for dealing with the
problem of literacy in the State.

During 1995-96 , in the field of Elementary Education, it is proposed to provide
schooling facilities in school less Villages as indicated by VIth All India
Educational Survey to take care of children without schooling facilities. It is
also proposed to construct 300 School buildings for Primary and Upper Primary
and similar number of additional classrooms. In the field of Adult Literacy,
Total Literacy Campaigns will be taken up in three districts. It is proposed to
start a second stream in 17 Higher Secondary Schools. Establishment of one
more Polytechnic at Tura has been proposed.

ART AND CULTURE :- In the field of preservation and
promotion of cultural heritage, Library Service and Anthropological research,
the Department of Art & Culture has taken steps in building infrastructure.
Construction of State level Cultural Complex has been started. The Museum
Building in the State Capital is nearing completion. Auditorium at Jowai
has been completed.

The protection of Archaeological findings at Bhaitabari has been taken up by the
Department.

Besides Cultural Festival of indigenous dance and music, a Poets' meet and
painting competition were organised where reputed artists from other States took
part. The Department is going to publish Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills gazetteers
which will be of historical value. Research has been undertaken on Sub-tribe of
Meghalaya and Clanship in Jaintia Hills.

SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS :- Sports activities and
participation of Tribal Youths in various sports have increased in a significant
manner. The State Government's patronage of sports has already produced an
impact among the youths of Meghalaya. Our Government is giving liberal
stipends and tuition fees to the deputed trainees who undergo training in
different Physical Education Institutions in India. Under the Youth
Welfare Programme, the students are motivated to join the NCC, NSS, Youth
Leadership Training, Youth Welfare Activities, Mass Rallies, Bharatiyam for
children, Youth Camps etc. In the Track and Field areas, the State
Government is giving grant-in-aid to different Sports Association for
holding and conducting of Sports meets, construction of outdoor and indoor
stadia, improvement of play grounds etc.

Highest priority is accorded to build up sports infrastructure and
facilities right from the village level to State level. Out of 33 projects
undertaken, 6(six) projects have been completed, such as, first phase of
Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, Polo Ground, Shillong Indoor Sports Hall at
Shillong and Tura, Squash Court at Shillong etc. The Department has rendered
financial assistance to 212 Sports Associations/Clubs for development of
playfields. Besides these, the Department is organising various tournaments,
such as, National Sports Talent Contest for the children below 12 years of age,
preliminary football match for selecting boys for the Subroto Cup etc. The
Sports Authority of India has also set up the Special Project Development
Area Centre through which free education, lodging and food are provided to
trainees in the disciplines of Athletics, Archery and football for the age group
of 14 year old youths.

The achievements of the Department include bagging of medals for Sub-Junior
National Archery Championship and selection of a Meghalaya pugilist for Indo-Sri
Lanka boxing Tournament.

To revamp the youth activities on constructive lines, the Government have
decided to launch a special programme as Chief Minister's Youth Development
Programme with an outlay of Rs.25.00 lakhs in 1995-96.

SOCIAL WELFARE :- Implementation of schemes for
Welfare of women, children, physically handicapped, juvenile delinquents, aged
and infirm are main activities of the Social Welfare Department. Voluntary
Organisations engaged in various welfare activities are also provided with
financial assistance by the Department. Prosthetic aids, vocational training,
award of scholarships to the handicapped are being extended.

There are 27 ICDS projects functioning in the State. During 1995-96, 3 more
projects will be opened. These projects are implemented through Anganwadi
workers. The package of services provided in ICDS projects are non formal
education, nutrition, health checkup, referral services etc. Under the old age
pension scheme, 2063 aged persons have been sanctioned pension during 1994-95.
835 needy children are provided with food, shelter, clothing, education through
24 Voluntary Organisations. Three Training Centres for self employment of
women at Shillong, Tura and Jowai continue to impart training to 105 women in
weaving, tailoring, knitting and embroidery for a period of one year. Besides
such training, the Department imparts training in fruit and vegetable
preservation in four batches in a year. Negotiations with Tata Consultancy
Services have been initiated for preparation of project reports for
identification of training areas for new avenues of self employment
simultaneously identifying market both within and outside the State.

The total budget proposed for 1995-96 under Social Welfare is Rs.95.00 lakhs and
Rs.238.00 lakhs for Nutrition.

HOUSING :- In the International year of Shelter for
the houseless observed in 1987, Government decided to provide shelter to shelter
less families by the year 2001. Though the number of shelter less families is
low in Meghalaya, two thirds of the houses are of temporary nature and need to
be replaced by more durable structures. It is estimated that there are about 1.6
lakh of such houses which need replacement. To achieve the goal, a
loan-cum-subsidy scheme for economically weaker section/Low income group people
is being implemented and altogether 10,872 families were covered till
1993-94. Government is also providing Grant-in-aid in the form of G.C.I. Sheets
to very poor rural houseless people under the Rural Housing Scheme. There is no
separate scheme for SC/ST as 95% of the our beneficiaries belong to those
categories.

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE :- The State is committed to
the programme parameters of the national policy of 'Health for All by 2000
A.D'. During the year, concerted efforts have been made complete the ongoing and
spill over programmes connected with the establishment of 13 Community Health
Centres, 20 Primary Health Centres and 6 Sub-Centres. The Sub Centres have been
completed and works connected with the 13 CHCs and 20 PHCs are in an
advanced stage of completion. These will be completed by September, 1995. In
addition, 2 CHCs and 2 PHCs are being sanctioned during 1994-95 and one more CHC
and one more PHC will be sanctioned during 1995-96. With the completion of works
connected with the creation of infrastructure, the efforts of the Department of
Health & Family Welfare would be directed towards equipping all CHCs,
PHCs and Sub-Centres and upgrading the facilities available on these Centres for
rural health care.

The construction of the OPD Complex of the Civil Hospital, Shillong is in
advanced stage of completion and the Complex will be commissioned during
1995-96. This will enable the Department to provide better facilities and
conveniences for the investigation of outdoor Patients at Civil Hospital,
Shillong. The new Operation Theatre Complex and the new Pediatric Wing of
the Ganesh Das Hospital, Shillong have also been completed. These will be
equipped and commissioned during 1995-96 with a view to provide better
Obstetric & Gynecological services, as well as Child Care & Pediatric
Services.

The Maternity, Child Health & Family Welfare programmes are also being
implemented with concerted vigour and the State has achieved crude Birth-Rate,
crude Death-Rate and Infant-morality ratios which compare well with all India
norms.

The State AIDS Cell has been implementing the National AIDS Control
Programme according to guidelines laid down by the National AIDS Control
Organisation. Phase III and Phase IV of the programme which consisted of
training of different levels of field personnel is being completed within
1994-95 as scheduled by NACO. Suitable steps will be taken to upgrade Blood
Safety, STD Control and Safe Sex Programmes during 1995-96, as per NACO
guidelines.

Keeping in view the resurgence of Malaria in the North Eastern region, steps
have been taken to strengthen existing anti-Malaria Programmes. The programme
has become fully centrally funded with effect from December, 1994 except for
cost of existing establishment which continues to be borne by the State
Government.

District Leprosy Societies have been set up according to the revised All India
Guidelines, 1994 for strengthening the implementation of the national Leprosy
Control Programme.

All other national health care programmes are also being implemented with equal
vigour within existing constraints.

PUBLIC WORKS :- Road Transport is the main stay of all
development activities in this state. There is no navigable river and road
transport is the only means of surface communications. Up to the end of the
rolling Plan (1990-91, 1991-92) the State Public Works Department has achieved a
total road length of 5893.04 Kms. of which 2484.08 Kms is surfaced road with a
road density of 25.92 Km/100 Sq.Km. which is far below the national average of
48.79/100 Sq. Km. The need for a larger road network therefore has engaged
attention of the State Government as well as Central Government and due
consideration has been given in 8th Five Year Plan (1992-97) to improve the road
network in the State. During the 1st and 2nd year of the 8th Plan the State
Public Works Department has further increased the total road length to
6234.723 Kms. of which 2953.40 kms. are surfaced road with a road density of
27.81 km/100 sq.km.

During the current financial year the Public Works Department has an approved
outlay of Rs.5300.00 lakhs out of which Rs.1000.00 lakhs has been earmarked
under Loan and EAP Components. The Department excepts to extend the road length
upto 6358.04 Kms. with an increase in road density upto 28.34/100 Sq. Km. There
is an approved outlay of Rs.900.00 lakhs in 1994-95 under N.E.C. scheme with
fixed target of achieving formation cutting of new roads upto 30 km along with
reconstruction of 29 bridges, 2 culverts and 19 Kms of pavement works.

In regard to National Highways, the proposal for construction of Bye-passes at
Shillong and Jowai has already been accepted in principle by the Ministry of
Surface Transport Government of India, but the estimates are yet to be
sanctioned. The approved outlay for 1994-95 is Rs.475.00 lakhs with a target to
improve 7 kms of roads with bridges and culverts.

The Building Wing is at present functioning with three working Civil Divisions
and one Electrical Division with one circle. This wing has taken up some
important buildings for which sanction has already been accorded. These are (1)
Construction Yojana Bhavan at Shillong with a provision of 250 sitting
capacity Conference Hall. (2) Integrated Office Complex at Nongpoh which is a
new concept to establish a mini secretariat building for Ri-Bhoi District which
will accommodate most of the Departments in one unit. (3) construction of
a Second Meghalaya House at Calcutta (4) Construction of Office building of the
D.G.P. which is in steady progress.

PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING :- Provision of health cover
and sanitation being the basic needs of society, Public Health Engineering
Department ahs to play a vital role in providing drinking water supply and
Sanitation facilities in both rural and urban areas. rural areas are covered
under the minimum Needs Programmes, Centrally Sponsored Schemes, Accelerated
Rural Water Supply Programme and Technology Mission. Under rural Water Supply
Programme the department has covered 5108 villages upto 93-94 and 324
habitations are expected to be covered during 1994-95. It is proposed to take up
261 villages during 1995-96. Besides, there are 2014 habitations which were
covered partially, some of these will be taken up during 1995-96.

In regard to Urban Water Supply Programme, the Greater Shillong Water Supply
Scheme has been partially completed with the capacity to deliver 50 lakh gallons
of drinking water per day which is less than the projected capacity of 11.3 mgd.
The construction of the main Dam is still to be taken up and the distribution
network under Phase-II is yet to be completed. Due to increase of
population, augmentation schemes for Tura, Jowai and Nongstoin have been taken
up. A provision of Rs.10 crores in the MNP and 5.30 crores under ARWSP during
1994-95 has been made and the same amount under MNP is proposed for 1995-96.
Under the Sanitation Programme so far 9528 units of sanitary latrines in
rural areas have been constructed. Rs.35 lakhs under MNP and Rs.25.34 lakhs
under Central Sector during 1994-95 are available for such work, while in
1995-96 Rs.70 lakhs under MNP & Central Sector has been proposed.

TRANSPORT :- In absence of direct rail link, road
transport plays a pivotal role in linking the rural hinter land with the main
stream of national development and thus sustain socio-economic life of the
people. Private operators in the State are not properly organised and unable to
serve people to the desired level, particularly, in the interior areas. Since
its inception from October, '76 the Meghalaya Transport Corporation has been
providing the essential transport service to the people. The revenue of the
Corporation was Rs.44.88 lakhs in 1976-77 which has increased to Rs.406.25 lakhs
in 1993-94. In order to further strengthen and rationalise the operations of the
Meghalaya Transport Corporation, a provision of Rs.250.00 lakhs has been made
for the year 1995-96. A major component of this will be utilised for replacement
of the over-aged fleet. It has been providing financial assistance by way of
subsidy @ 10% of the cost of the vehicle subject to maximum of Rs.50,000 to
unemployed youth belonging to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes for purchase of
Bus/Three wheelers to operative services. During 1994-95 , Rs.2 lakhs is
expected to be utilised. In 1995-96 also, Rs.2 lakhs has been provided for this
scheme. Financial assistance is also being extended to voluntary Organisations
for running School Bus Services.

Three driving schools have been set up at Shillong, Jowai and Tura during the
8th Plan. this will promote better and safer driving habits in the long run. A
provision of Rs.3.00 lakhs has been provided for 1995-96 for these schools.

TOURISM :- In recent years, tourism in Meghalaya
has picked up momentum . Having vast potential in this sector, the Department is
taking steps to attract the tourists from all parts of the country which
will generate direct and ancillary employment to local people. the Department
has concentrated on completion of all the on-going schemes and development
of some tourist spots, publicity & marketing etc., within the revised
budget estimate of Rs.300.00 lakhs. During 1995-96 the Department proposes to
develop Tourist Spots, completion of construction of Crow borough Hotel in
Shillong. Wayside Amenities at Mawsynram, and of some tourist Lodges in
important places within the budget outlay of Rs.400.00 lakhs.

FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES :- The State is fully covered
by the Public Distribution System. Special stress has been given in the tribal
and desert areas by the Government of India through the scheme of Revamped
P.D.S. for supply of foodgrains at subsidised rates. Meghalaya being a
State predominantly inhabited by the tribals, is included in the Integrated
Tribal Development Project for such subsidised supply of food grains. At present
we have 3711 Fair Price Shops which include 3114 Fair Price Shops in rural
and border Areas and 597 Nos in Urban Areas besides 44 Retail Cooperative
Societies. Steps to streamline the supply of essential commodities are
continuously being taken. It is proposed to gradually extend the issue of
Family Identity Cards to all consumers in the Sub-Divisional Headquarters and
other areas in the State. The State Government receives monthly allocation of
State Government receives monthly allocation of Rice, Wheat, S.K. Oil and Levy
Sugar from the Central Government. Due to the enhancement of rice
allocation from Government of India from December, 1994, the scale of supply per
head has been raised from 4.4. Kgs. to 5.25 kgs. per months. To Monitor
the proper distribution to consumers, Vigilance Committees in all
Districts and Sub-Divisions have been constituted.

For better protection of the rights of consumers, a State Commission for
consumers' disputes at the State Level has been set up with a sitting Judge of
the Gauhati High Court as its President and two prominent citizens as members.
At the grass-roots level, a forum to entertain complaints from consumers has
been set up at every district headquarters. Efforts are made to promote
consumer awareness programmes throughout the State.

REVENUE :- Revenue Department is making efforts to
Cadastrally survey the land in the State and for enabling people in availing
financial loans etc., from financial Institutions. The Cadastral survey work is
being done by the Autonomous District Councils.

In relation to the inter-State boundary with Assam, the Government is trying to
find an amicable solution through discussion with the Government of Assam at
various levels.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES :- The Department of Weights and
Measures-Cum-Legal Metrology in the State is implementing the provision of the
Meghalaya Standard of Weights and Measures Acts and Rules along with the
Standard of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 1977. the
function of the Department of Weights and Measures is statutory and regulatory
in nature. The enforcement works in the field include annual verification and
stamping of Weights and Measures, Weighing and Measuring instruments used
in the transactions of the trade which also involves realisation of fees for the
service rendered as per rates prescribed under the Act. The field officers not
only carry out verifications, stampings and re-verification works but also
undertake surprise checks inspections and launching of prosecution against
the defaulters in different places in the Districts and Sub-Divisional
Headquarters to protect the consumers from the unscrupulous traders. Consumers protection
is also one of the activities of the Department entrusted by the Central
Government under point No.17 of the 20 Point Programmes. Registration of
users of Weights & Measures is also carried out once in 5 years by the
Inspectors of Weights and Measures in their respective jurisdiction.

BORDER AREAS DEVELOPMENT :- With a view to uplift the
economic condition of the people of the border areas, a special developmental
programme has been under implementation since the Fourth Five Year Plan.
As per the recommendation of the Working Group of Planning Commission, the
Department has concentrated on education, road communication, soil
conservation, cooperation sector through the respective departments. the
Department directly operates the border areas marketing, improvement of cultural
and sports activities, Agro-Customs village Development Boards etc. Among these
programmes, road sector has been given the highest priority and an amount of
Rs.98.00 lakhs has been set aside for 1995-1996. For border area marketing
scheme an allocation of Rs.25.00 lakhs to boost up the Border Trade is
earmarked. In the agricultural sector, schemes have been taken up for
introduction of horticultural crops, provision of irrigation
facilities and loan-cum-subsidy for purchase of power tillers.

PRINTING AND STATIONERY :- The main function of the
Printing and Stationery Department is to take up printing of Government
matters including projection of the State as well as supply of stationery to all
departments including all types of forms. The department has undertaken to
modernise the Government Press at Shillong and Tura and a sum of Rs.12.00 lakhs
has been proposed for purchase of modern machinery and equipments. The
Department has not only taken up modernisation of the Government Press, but also
steps for construction of residential quarters for its staff at Tura at a cost
of Rs.22.50 lakhs during 1995-96.

Construction of on-going multi-storied building at Shillong is expected to be
completed during this current financial year. The Government Branch Press
at Tura is being modernised by inducting Desk Top Publishing Unit with
Laser Printer, Process Camera, etc. Sophisticated M.M.T. Offset has also been
inducted in the main Press at Shillong.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION :- The shortage of office and
residential accommodation at the State, District and Sub-Divisional
Headquarters has been receiving the due attention of the Government. The General
Administration Department through P.W.D. is taking up construction of buildings
for both administrative and residential purposes. A Master plan is being
drawn up by the department for this purpose.

HOME (POLICE) :- The various agitational programmes
chalked out by Organisations like the K.S.U. and FKJGP in 1994 were mostly
confined in the Shillong City and had no impact in other parts of the State. The
activities of the anti-socials were firmly dealt with an in most cases the
culprits were apprehended. A major milestone in the law and order scenario was
the surrender of ALMA in December, 1994. the Overall situation remained
peaceful throughout the State during 1994. Impressive progress was achieved
towards modernisation of the Police Force. The Meghalaya Police Radio
Organisation had acquired 5 (five) more VHF stations during the years. A
separate VHF Duciplex set has been acquired for Ri-Bhoi District. MPRO
Training Centre imparted raining to Police Radio Personnel during the year. The
Forensic Science Laboratory established in 1987 is now equipped with 4(four)
Divisions Viz., Physical, Biology, Questioned Documents, Chemistry and
Toxicology divisions. During this year this division handled a sizeable number
of cases. For the police Housing Scheme an amount of Rs.100 lakhs has been
earmarked in Annual Plan budget of 1995-96 against Rs.40 lakhs during 1994-95.
Meghalaya Fire Service has protected human lives and properties during major
fire incidents. Fire Stations and Sub-Fire Stations have been set up
in all districts and Sub-Divisional Headquarters. During 1994-95 a new
Sub-Station at Nangalbibra in South Garo Hills has been established. Meghalaya
Police Computer Cell was set up to improve and increase the efficient
functioning of the Police Organisation. This Organisation needs to be expanded
in a phased manner.

Till September, 1994 total number of cases registered under the I.P.C. was 1576
while the case charge sheeted was 769. In addition, the Department has
seized substantial amount of Narcotic Drugs and unauthorised arms and
ammunitions.

HOME (JAILS) :- The Planning Commission
continues to extend Plan assistance with a provision of Rs.100.00 lakhs during
1995-96. The District Jails at Shillong, Tura, Jowai and Williamnagar have
been made fully functional Some improvement works have been taken up at
Tura and Williamnagar jails. Special renovation work is also proposed to be
taken up in the State Home for Mentally ill people at Mawlai during 1995-96.

The Government is also planning to construct District Jails at Nongpoh, Baghmara,
Nongstoin and Sub-jails in all eight Civil Sub-Divisions subject to
availability of land. the Central Government have recently allocated Rs.15.00
lakhs for the plan period (1993-97) for modernisation of Prison
Administration in the State. In line with the Central Policy on Jail Reforms,
various developmental activities in the Jail premises for the benefit of
the Jail inmates have been taken up.

HOME (CIVIL DEFENCE) :- Civil Defence and Home Guards
personnel are assisting the civil administration in taking up various security
related duties and also render relief during natural calamities. 6(six)
Companies of Border Wing Home Guard Battalion are continuously deployed
for national security duties to supplement the State Police. These Units are
also deployed for protection of vital installations. Both the Urban and rural
Home Guards have been trained in various disciplines required for the job.

POLITICAL :- Meghalaya has remained largely peaceful
during 1994. During August 6th, a land dispute at Khliehriat resulted in Police
firing for which a Commission of Enquiry has been set up by the Government. The
State of Meghalaya has a problem of infiltration of foreigners from Bangladesh
and Nepal. Bangladesh national enter into the State surreptitiously across the
border which extends about 423 km. Similarly, Nepali nationals enter the State
illegally from Assam.. To prevent such illegal influx from across the border
there are 80 BSF BOPs and in addition, Meghalaya have set up 10 Patrol Posts, 12
additional Check Posts, 2 Out Posts Check Gate, 7 bordering Police
Stations under Prevention of Infiltration of Foreigners Schemes. Proposals
for creation of 10 more additional Check Posts under PIF, Mobile Task Force and
River Police Force are under active consideration. During 1994 the anti
infiltration staff has detected 4491 foreigners out of which 1512 were
Bangladesh nationals, 2693 Nepalis, 14 Burmese and 2 Tibetan Nationals.

DISTRICT COUNCILS AFFAIRS :- To safeguard the rights
and interest of the tribal people and to preserve and protect their identity,
the Autonomous District Councils, constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the
Constitution play a vital role in the State. The District Councils, resources
being limited, they depend largely on Government grants for implementation of
various schemes, such as, construction of village roads, footpaths, small
bridges, play grounds, market places, maintenance of Council Court buildings,
ring wells, waster tanks etc. Rs.300.00 lakhs has been earmarked for the
District Councils in the Annual Plan 1995-96.

URBAN AFFAIRS :- The Department of Urban
Affairs deals with the development and proper management of the urban
areas of the State. Master Plans for Shillong, Jowai and Tura have been
completed and approved. Necessary steps have been taken to implement the
proposal. With a view to provide desired level of civic amenities in the urban
areas, the Department has envisaged a programme to ease the traffic congestion
by constructing parking lots at different places in Shillong and Tura.
Parking lots opposite Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank, Shillong, the
Cantonment area and at the old Jail Complex at Tura are being taken up. these
are being taken up under infrastructure Development for which an amount of
Rs.300.00 lakhs has been proposed during 1995-96 which also includes Tura Market
and other such schemes. Commercial Complexes are under construction in Shillong,
Tura, Williamnagar and Baghmara., To ameliorate the economic condition of the
urban poor and to provide employment opportunity, Nehru Rozgar Yojana and
other Urban poverty alleviation schemes are being implemented through the
Municipal Boards of Shillong and Tura. An amount of Rs.30.00 lakhs under NRY
and Rs.40.00 lakhs under environmental improvement of slum areas have been
proposed for the purpose during 1995-96. Williamnagar, Baghmara and Jowai Town
Committees have been upgraded to Municipalities. The Department proposed to take
up schemes for construction of sanitary latrines and converting all dry latrines
in the municipal areas of Shillong and Tura by the end of the 8th
Plan. Government has also sanctioned setting up of a new Township near Shillong
to ease the congestion for which land acquisition proceedings is nearing
completion. An amount of Rs.100.00 lakhs is proposed for the purpose during
1995-96.

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS :- The Information
and Public Relations Department plays a very important role in educating the
people and through its different activities, endeavour to involve them with the
official agencies in implementing developmental programmes. It also liaises with
the Press in order to project the achievements, plans and programmes
of the State Government. The Department has 78 Rural Integrated Information
Centres through out the State with a view to disseminate information at the
grass roots level of society.

The Department is organising District and Sub-Divisional level exhibitions,
refreshers courses for the local Editors and publicity campaigns in the
RIICs in the State. The Department participated in the India International Trade
Fair in November, 1994 and in the AGRIEXPO in March, 1995 in New Delhi. The
Department has sponsored and conducted a study tour of local journalists in
February-March, 1995 to Bombay and Calcutta.

During 1995-96, the Department would continue to further intensify its
activities by participating in the Fairs, organising various exhibitions and
publicity campaigns in the RIICs. In connection with the celebration of the
125th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Department proposes to organise
various activities through its different media.

The Department has an outlay of Rs.90.00 lakhs under Plan for the financial year
1995-96.

LABOUR :- Supervision and enforcement of Labour
Act and rules, and implementation of various welfare schemes are taken up by the
Department. The Department imparts training on employment services on crafts and
training through 5(five) Industrial Training Institutes located at
Shillong, Tura, Jowai, Nongstoin and Williamnagar. It is also proposed to
establish one Employment Exchange at Baghmara and Industrial Training
Institutes at Nongpoh and ending October'94 was 6469. The figure of job
seekers as per live register of the State is 26,856. At the relevant period 139
candidates were placed on employment and 57 candidates attended the
coaching camps and courses for Pre-examination training. 85 trainees have also
passed the "All India Trade Training" during 1994. In the
year 1995-96, it is proposed to introduce new trades in Industrial Training
Institutes. Construction of office building for the Directorate and Industrial
Training Institute for Jowai and Williamnagar is on the anvil.

SERICULTURE AND WEAVING :- Sericulture and Handloom
Weaving are two important cottage industries which provide subsidiary occupation
to the people in the rural areas of the State. Efforts are being made to promote
these twin industries in order to create full-time employment. Main thrust was
given on production and improving quality.

In respect of Sericulture, 70 block plantations consisting of Mulberry, Eri and
Muga were already started besides the improvement of existing plantations under
individual holdings. Improved varieties of saplings have been raised in the
departmental nurseries for distribution to the selected beneficiaries. Early
stage (chowki) rearing has been organised for distribution of chowki worms to
the farmers. the proposed programme for 1995-96 in respect of sericulture
include 17 numbers of block plantations. the training of progressive
sericulture farmers is also arranged every year. The other activities include
improvement of reeling and spinning for quality production of silk yarn.

In respect of handloom weaving, training and demonstration works have been
organised through 28 Pilot Centres. Modernisation of handloom in the cooperative
and outside Cooperative Sectors is also being taken up through the State Apex
Society of Weavers and the State's Handloom Corporation respectively. this year
the Department proposed to organise eight new Pilot Handloom Weaving Centres in
the States.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY :- To develop the seed of
awareness for adopting scientific attitude, technique and means in the form of
technology, a Science and Technology Cell has been incorporated in the Planning
Department. The activities under this Cell are being carried out in areas of
popularisation of science, introduction of appropriate technology, Science
and Technology Model Villages, sponsored project, Remote Sensing, Science and
Technology oriented Entrepreneurship Development etc. A beginning has been made
to meet the need for development of non-conventional energy, a frontier
technology, to usher in the 21st Century in Meghalaya.

Under the programme of popularisation of science among the student community,
science Exhibitions, Science Talent competition, Science Excursion, Science and
Technology Audio visual Programmes, Workshops, Seminars and other allied
activities have been taken up. Considering the unlimited potential for the
development and application of Science and Technology, the Cell has spread its
activities in the area of introduction of appropriate technology, improved
chulha, low cost sanitations, low cost water filters and rain water harvesting.
To implement these schemes, Model Village Schemes are being taken up in a
phased manner to cover all districts.

Under the Sponsored Project Schemes, schemes like the School level
Students' Project covering 20 schools per District are being undertaken
during the current year. Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Awareness
Programme and Technology Oriented Entrepreneurship Development Programme for
Science and Technology personnel are also being undertaken. Setting up of
Science and Technology Museum-Cum-Science Centres and procurement of Science
exhibits is also being taken up.

The proposed outlay for 1995-96 is Rs.70 lakhs.

ELECTION :- With a view to prevent impersonation of
electors, Election Commission has introduced a scheme for the issue of
photographic Identity Cards to electors. the State Government is implementing
the scheme which will be completed by end of March, '95 under direction of the
Election Commission. Till 11th February,'95, 6,10,619 voters have
been photographed for the purpose against the total of 10,51,330. Intensive
revision of electoral rolls for '95 has been programmed for all the 60 Assembly
Constituencies in Meghalaya with 1st January'95 as qualifying date as laid down
by the Election Commission of India.

PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS :- To streamline
the State administration at all levels, to inculcate a sense of discipline and
to examine the existing methods and procedure of work in order to improve the
functioning of Departments, the Government set up the Meghalaya
Administrative Reforms Commission on 29.4.92, under the chairmanship of Shri R.T.
Rymbai I.A.S., (Retired). The Commission has submitted its report on 31.10.94
The report is under examination of the Government.

Sir, I have broadly spelt out in brief the policies and programmes of the
Government for 1995-96 . The Plan Supplement will provide details of the various
schemes and programmes proposed to be implemented during the year. Before I
mention about the Budget Estimates for 1995-96, I shall now give a brief account
of the acutals for 1993-94 and the revised estimates for 1994-95.

ACTUALS 1993-94 :- During 1993-94 receipts on
all accounts were Rs.2945.08 crores while the expenditure were of the order of
Rs.2960.91 crores resulting in the deficit of Rs.15.83 crores. Together with the
negative cash balance of Rs.60.07 crores, the year closed with deficit of
Rs.75.90 crores.

REVISED ESTIMATES 1994-95 :- The year 1994-95
opened with a negative cash balance of Rs.75.90 crores. From the beginning, it
has been a difficult year as the financial position of the State Government has
not been at all stable and the State Government intermittently
lapsed into overdraft. However, the State Government has been able to
surmount the financial difficulty by adopting various measures, namely, the
economy and austerity measures, intensification of collection of revenue and
curtailing of expenditure, particularly on non plan-account.

The Revised Estimates for 1994-95 shows total receipts of Rs.3253.21 crores on
all accounts and a total expenditure of Rs.3294.18 crores leaving a
deficit of Rs.40.97 crores and together with a negative opening balance of
Rs.75.90 crores the year is estimated to close with a negative balance of
Rs.116.87 crores.

BUDGET ESTIMATES 1995-96 :- I now come to the Budget
estimates for 1995-96. The year 1995-96 is expected to open with a negative cash
balance of Rs.116.87 crores. The revenue receipts are placed at Rs.641.74 crores
and the revenue expenditure is estimated at Rs.600.34 crores, thus leaving
a surplus of Rs.41.40 crores. Outside the revenue account, the receipts are
estimated at Rs. 2667.35 crores and the expenditure is estimated at Rs.2769.01
crores resulting in a deficit of Rs.101.66 crores. But the surplus of Rs.41.40
crores on the revenue account will reduce the deficit to Rs.60.26 crores.
However taking into account the negative opening cash balance of Rs. 116.87
crores, the year will close with the estimated deficit of year will close
with the estimated deficit of Rs.177.13 crores. The broad details are
indicated at Annexure-II.

The Tenth Finance Commission submitted its Report to the Government of India and
the recommendations of the Commission are under consideration of the Government
of India. The recommendations of the Tenth Finance Commission will be effective
from 1.4.95. It is expected that the additionally that the State
Government will get from the Award of the Tenth Finance Commission would
to a great extent reduce the deficit. However, we cannot remain
complacent. During 1994-95 a number of economy and austerity
measures as well as administrative steps were taken by the Government to
streamline the collection of revenue-tax and non-tax and enforcement
of strict financial discipline and control. Over and above, the State Government
has taken a major decision to enhance the rate of royalty on coal with effect
from 15.1.1995. In 1995-96 I do not propose to go for further doses of
fresh taxation measures; but we will rely more on further streamlining of the
revenue collection system by suitably strengthening the revenue earning
Departments. However, in the case of certain fees and levies in respect of State
Excise duties and Amusement and Betting Tax, I propose to enhance the rates as
enhancement of these rates has been overdue. These measures which require
executive orders only will generate an additional revenue of Rs.2 crores. Some
of the important measures proposed are as follows :-

(a) Enhancement t of the License fee for licensed Bookmakers
from Rs.500 to Rs.1,000 under Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax act.

(b) Enhancement of renewal fee of the aforesaid License from
Rs.500 to Rs.750

(c) Enhancement of security deposit to be made by Licensed
Bookmakers from Rs.200 to Rs.2,500.

(e) Increase in the rate of pass fee on IMFL and Beer from
Rs.2 and Rs.1 per B.L. to Rs.3 and Rs.2 per B.L. respectively.

(f) Imposition of a flat rate of excise duty at the rate of
Rs.70 per case on both qualities of beer instead of the existing differential
rate of Rs.48 and Rs.74 per case for proof strength below 8.75 and above
respectively.

(g) Enhancement of rates on cheap brand of IMFL from Rs.250
per case to Rs.350 per case and from Rs.800 to Rs.1200 per case in respect of
super premium brand of IMFL.

(h) Increase in the rate of License fee on out still Licenses
in other areas from Rs.1000 to Rs.1500.

Further, the measures already adopted in 1994-95 aimed at improving financial
control and discipline, restricting and eliminating unnecessary expenditure will
continue to the enforced. It will be the endeavour of the Government to ensure
that investment of plan funds are directed towards productive schemes,
programmes yielding not only maximum social benefits and economic
growth but generating resources. With the active cooperation and support of the
honourable Members, I am quite confident that it will be possible for us
to discharge our responsibilities and obligations effectively and achieve our
objectives.

With these, words, Sir I present the Budget Estimates for 1995-96 before this
august House for consideration and approval. However to enable the Government to
carry on with its duties and defray expenditure from the first day of financial
year 1995-96, I propose that the House may grant a vote-on-Account.

Jai Hind/Khublei/Mitela.

ANNEXURE I

STATEMENT SHOWING THE SECTORAL ALLOCATION UNDER 'STATE PLAN
FOR 1995-96